After oral surgery to remove wisdom teeth, insert dental implants, or provide any other type of dental care, your mouth will need time to heal. During this time, tough foods can put too much pressure on your teeth and gums, while crunchy ones may damage incision sites or tooth sockets. To avoid these problems, most dentists and oral surgeons recommend a diet of soft foods until you've had a chance to heal. Here are some possibilities to help you add variety to your meals.

Soups

Almost any soup which requires little to no chewing will do to keep your incision sites safe. Right after surgery, start with options containing no solids, like beef broth and tomato soup. Later, you might enjoy soup with soft chunks of meat, vegetables, and noodles—but wait until you're fully healed for more hearty stews which take more chewing.

Soft Cooked Foods & Desserts

Pudding, gelatin, and ice cream are classic foods to eat during recovery from surgery because they're soft and easy on your mouth. The cold temperature of ice cream and popsicles may even provide some relief from swelling and discomfort. If you'd like something savory instead of sweet, soft foods like mashed potatoes, well-cooked pasta, refried beans, and some types of casserole and meatloaf can be gentle enough on your mouth.

Fruits & Vegetables

To make your diet a little healthier after visiting your oral surgeon, make sure to add in some fruit. While many fruits and veggies are too fibrous, options like bananas or avocados are soft enough to eat, and you can also choose processed options like applesauce and pureed vegetables to get your vitamins without hurting your mouth.

To discuss post-surgery care with your oral surgeon, call Athens Family Dental in Athens, GA. For almost 30 years, this dental clinic has offered a full range of care, from simple in-office teeth whitening to numerous surgical treatments in Clarke County. They use the latest technology and techniques to provide high-quality results which will keep your smile healthy and beautiful. To schedule, call (706) 548-3279 or request an appointment online.